As the Senate progresses with Bill S-2, discussions are ongoing regarding its effectiveness in addressing the remaining discrimination in Indian Act registration. The bill aims to eliminate sex-based discrimination in the registration process, particularly related to enfranchisement, which involves the involuntary loss of status.
One key aspect of the bill is the provision for re-affiliating women who were compelled to join their husband’s band after marriage with their original communities or “natal band.” Additionally, the bill offers a procedure for individuals to remove themselves from the registry and eliminates outdated and offensive language in the Indian Act.
Senators are contemplating whether to advance the bill in its current form or introduce amendments, such as discontinuing the “second-generation cut-off” rule that terminates status after two generations of a non-status parent.
During a session on Tuesday, Madeleine Redfern, the interim CEO of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), expressed support for Bill S-2. However, she highlighted concerns about issues like the second-generation cut-off and the community’s right to manage its membership.
Redfern, who hails from Iqaluit and is of Inuk descent, referenced the Nunavut Agreement as an illustration of self-determination in identity and community affiliation determination.
Senator Mary Jane McCallum mentioned that the bill, as currently drafted, could reinstate status for nearly 6,000 individuals. If amended to remove the second-generation cut-off, up to 225,000 people might become eligible for status, according to Pam Palmater, chair in Indigenous Governance at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Palmater emphasized the urgency for the government to take action promptly. She urged the elimination of the second-generation cut-off, stating that Canada cannot delay any longer in addressing this issue.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak also voiced support for the bill’s purpose but stressed that it represents only a small step toward ending registration discrimination.
She noted the historical pattern of litigation and subsequent bills to amend Indian Act registration provisions without adequate consultation with affected rights holders.
The committee is scheduled to convene for another meeting on Wednesday evening.
